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Mets’ Alderson Bluffing On Shortstop Situation

There are times I’m not sure the New York Mets’ Sandy Alderson understands what it means to be a general manager in this market. Other times I am positive he doesn’t.

Take for instance, his caustic remark the other day when asked about the relevance to Atlanta’s signing of Ervin Santana – even if it meant forfeiting a draft pick – in contrast to the Mets sitting on their hands about the mess that is their shortstop situation.

TEJADA: Holding on (Getty)

“I’m not interpreting it in terms of ‘our situation,’ ” Alderson told reporters Wednesday. “I don’t know that we have a situation here.’’

You don’t? What else would you call it, then?

The Mets continue to say they have confidence in Ruben Tejada, yet their actions are to the contrary.

If they were enthusiastic about Tejada, then why do they keep monitoring Stephen Drew in the long-shot hope agent Scott Boras lowers the price? Would they still consider trading for Nick Franklin if they had confidence in Tejada? Would they wonder about Wilmer Flores if Tejada was their answer?

Meanwhile, Alderson said Tejada isn’t under a microscope, but considering what is swirling around him, what else would you call it?

“We continue to look at how he’s doing, but it won’t be a judgment based on one game or two games or three games,’’ Alderson said. “We’ve got a lot of spring training left. In the meantime, we’ll continue to look at our other options.’’

In classic GM speak; Alderson is saying everything is on the table, including Tejada not being the starter. There’s no other way this can be interpreted.

Meanwhile, of the internal options, Alderson won’t weigh in on Flores, although those in the organization and scouts continue to say he doesn’t have the range or footwork to play shortstop.

Alderson and manager Terry Collins must also buy into this, otherwise wouldn’t he get more of a chance?

As for when Flores might get another chance to play shortstop, Collins said: “You guys are asking me what’s going to happen in four days, and I don’t know what’s going to happen at 9 o’clock tonight.’’

That’s hardly comforting. By the way, two weeks isn’t a lot of time remaining. My guess is Tejada will be the Opening Day shortstop because Alderson is too paralyzed to pull the trigger on any other options.

10 thoughts on “Mets’ Alderson Bluffing On Shortstop Situation”

I don’t get why you would take Alderson’s comments at 100% face value, or think that he should say exactly what he’s thinking for all to hear. If I were in a GM and in the market for a shortstop, I don’t think I would announce to the press, “I’m in the market for a shortstop.”

acoustic567: I get where you are coming from now. The point I was trying to make is that it’s easy to blow smoke in some markets by saying you have faith in a player – in this case Tejada – but you can’t do that in New York. Especially, when you say this is a 90-win team. I appreciate the give-and-take with you and hope you’ll keep reading. Best.-JD

Since they don’t want to trade talent right now let’s give Drew 2 years at 10 per or so and be done with it. We need a ss. I don’t know if any of these guys is that good. This guy Franklin is not supposed to have the range and can’t throw. Why is everyone so hot on him?

Anderson said this team can win 90. Put your actions where your words are. Throwing out a team with significant structural issues will not win 90. I’m looking at you GM. You want to challenge the team ( and the coach)? Look in the mirror.